The LGBTQ Resource Center is closed until further notice. Staff are working remotely and available to assist students, please reach out directly for any assistance. Please see our calendar for updates about events and programs moved online. For student resources and support during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the SSRI Resources page or the UArizona COVID-19 page.

Use of Chosen or Preferred Names

University of Arizona students and employees may choose to identify themselves within the University community using a preferred first name that differs from their official/legal name. A student or employee's preferred name will appear instead of the person's official/legal first name in select University-related systems and documents, provided that the name is not being used for the purpose of misrepresentation. To see the Chosen of Preferred Name Guidelines click here. To see how to update Chosen or Preferred Name view tutorial.

Background

The University recognizes that many members of its community use names other than their legal or official names first provided to the University (official/legal name) to identify themselves. For some students and employees, a chosen or preferred name may be an important component of their identity. Therefore, the University has established guidelines that allow students and employees to indicate their chosen or preferred first names to the University community even if they have not changed their official/legal names.

Preferred Name Guidelines

University of Arizona students and employees may choose to identify themselves within the University community using a preferred first name that differs from their official/legal name. A student or employee’s preferred name will appear instead of the person’s official/legal name in select University-related systems and documents, provided that the preferred first name is not being used for the purpose of misrepresentation. The official/legal name will continue to be used in all University-related systems and documents that require a verified legal name.

Official/Legal names will continue to be used for official University records, including but not limited to the following:

Legal Documents and Reports Produced by the University

Student Account Statement (Bills)

Financial Aid and Scholarship Documents

Transcripts

Enrollment Verifications

Student Employment Documents

Employment Verifications

Employment Documents

Paychecks, W2s, and other Payroll documents

Benefits Enrollment

Students may choose to restrict the listing of their (official or preferred) names in the online directory by changing their privacy settings in UAccess Student Center. Employees may also choose to restrict the listing of their (official or preferred) names in the online directory by contacting the Division of Human Resources at (520) 621-1684.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and is committed to maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment and retaliation. For more information, please visit the Office of Institutional Equity.